Prior’s pro team signs up for big race

England cricketer and cycling enthusiast Matt Prior will bring his newly-formed professional team to Northumberland during this year’s Virgin Money Cyclone Festival of Cycling.

ONE Pro Cycling is set to compete in the historic Beaumont Trophy, an internationally ranked men’s competition that starts and finishes in Stamfordham.

Yanto Barker, winner of the Elite Road Race Series in 2014, will potentially step up to join the team’s six-strong squad for this race – which will take place on June 21.

Teammate Pete Williams is another likely starter, having worn the Sprints Jersey in the 2012 and 2013 Tour of Britain.

The race team’s manager Becky Frewing said: “We are delighted to be taking part in the Virgin Money Cyclone within our first year.

“The Beaumont Trophy is one of the highlights of the UK race calendar and we will certainly be looking to put out a strong team.

“The festival offers something for everyone and we hope those taking part in the Saturday Challenge rides will be at the race on Sunday to give us a cheer.”

A total of 117 miles of countryside road awaits the competitors, with the gruelling Ryals climb often dividing the race. A host of top teams are once again taking part.

Aspiring cyclists of all ages and abilities are encouraged to join a Virgin Money Cyclone Challenge ride to mark the path of the touring professionals.

Held a day ahead of the Beaumont Trophy, the non-competitive challenge rides trace much of the route of the elite cyclists in accessible 34, 64 and 106-mile events.

The festival’s founder and organiser, Peter Harrison, said: “ONE Pro Cycling promises to be a really interesting team to watch develop and compete. It’s wonderful that the Beaumont Trophy will be part of its early history.

“Matt Prior is doing things differently with his team, avoiding a headline sponsor and allowing the public to be part of it from the outset. The Virgin Money Cyclone is very much about being inclusive and opening up cycling to people of all ages and abilities.”

For full event information and to register yourself or a team, visit www.virginmoneycyclone.co.uk